Michelle Pfeiffer: LA Needs Tax Incentives to Stay an Industry Town

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At present, Michelle Pfeiffer is working on the Apple TV+ series version of the hit novel “Margo’s Money Troubles,” which also stars Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning, right here in Los Angeles. Interestingly, out of the 23 projects she’s been involved with over the past two decades, only a handful have been filmed in this city.

The three-time Oscar nominee expressed her astonishment to me on Friday, after her hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Similar to many individuals in television and film, Pfeiffer shares concerns that Los Angeles may no longer be considered an industry hub.

Pfeiffer mentioned that he’s not well-versed in the political aspects of it, but he stressed the importance of reinstating tax breaks. He explained that when it comes to film production, people focus on the net profit – they want to get the best value for their investment. If a production can save $4 million or even $1 million by shooting elsewhere, that’s a significant amount that could otherwise be spent on screen.

She stated, “It’s likely they seem harder to find than they actually are, but… the positions haven’t vanished. They’ve simply been relocated. We need to retrieve them.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve been following the discussions about California’s efforts to attract more film and TV production. Just like Ben Affleck pointed out to The Associated Press, California needs to improve its tax and rebate incentives to compete effectively. It’s not just about being competitive; other locations offer better exchange rates or more attractive tax rebate deals specifically designed to entice this industry. They understand the significant economic stimulus that the film and TV industry can bring, and they’re leveraging it to their advantage.

Affleck commented, “One issue with California is that they’ve grown accustomed to their entertainment industry without giving it much thought.

More about today.#michellepfeiffer #justforvariety

— Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin) April 26, 2025

Additionally, Pfeiffer reminisced about her initial professional acting gig, which was a Ford truck advertisement. Her employer at the Von’s store in Orange County granted her a day off, as she was a cashier there; she then traveled to Malibu to film the commercial.

Initially, all she wondered was whether she could earn a living from it. If she could do so, that alone would have made her happy.

Skip ahead approximately 45 years to the present day. Pfeiffer confessed that she felt a bit nervous before delivering her speech at the ceremony.

Pfeiffer admits feeling quite anxious, as she is set to appear in Taylor Sheridan’s new show, “Madison.” She confides that she tends to get very nervous when it comes to speaking in front of a crowd.

As I stand here, I can’t help but reminisce about my journey into the world of acting. It all started during my junior year in high school, when I found myself enrolled in a captivating theater class. That’s where the seeds of love for this art form were sown, and they’ve been growing ever since.

She remarked, “I’ve picked up a peculiarity,” she said. “I hadn’t anticipated it. I found the theater folk somewhat unusual. However, before long, I realized that I belonged there effortlessly, and I felt an instant sense of camaraderie. It seems I was considered an odd one out myself all along.

Michelle Pfeiffer recalls her first acting job — a Ford trucks commercial.

— Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin) April 25, 2025

Dakota and Elle Fanning, who have previously collaborated with Pfeiffer, were present to pay their respects. The gathering was also attended by Pfeiffer’s spouse, David E. Kelly; talent representatives from CAA, specifically Kevin Huvane, Chris Andrews, and Franklin Latt; along with co-stars from “Madison,” Patrick J. Adams, Kevin Zegers, Amiah Miller, and Elle Chapman.

At the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival, the hand and footprint ceremony took place, with Ben Mankiewicz serving as the event’s host.

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2025-04-26 19:20